Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion The Water Cooler Small, cheap car with a big backseat?

And when I say cheap, I mean cheap... as in used, as in less than 10K. Anyone have any advice? We were looking at a 2002 Toyota Corolla, but we realized that the carseat (Graco Snugride) wouldn't fit in the back. We wouldn't be buying a car at this point if someone hadn't mundged our small one--which we had no collision on.

When you say small are you talking about a compact? If I was looking in that price range for something to put the kids in I would look at a used Ford Explorer Sport, or a car that is well made that doesn't typically hold their value like a Volvo.

Because the parking space we have to put it in is difficult to get into and out of (due to a neighbor with a full sized pickup that parks halfway in front of it). Plus, we've got a full sized car already.

You'll hate me for suggesting it, but a new Nissan Versa runs about $12K. It has a large rear seat area and six airbags for mundge-protection.

I know they are ugly as sin, but how about a 3 to 4 year old Honda Element? Based on the Civic platform, they are "somewhat" compact, but amazingly versatile. With the swing-out rear doors, loading & unloading the little ancle biter will be a snap.

Slideshow with the rear door open

I actually like the Element, but I thought it would be more than $10K.

What about the Scion xB? Weird look but probably pretty practical.

Scions seem to be holding their resale values like Toyotas.

But - while my wife finds them hideous - I was really impressed by how spacious the Xb is. Fuel efficient, too. Good call.

For some reason I just can't see Ken driving a Scion Lunchbox.

Before I bought my civic hybrid, I was SERIOUSLY considering the Scion xB. I took it for a test drive and fell in love. Fun to drive, spacious, visability surpassed only by a convertible with it's top down, great gas mileage, inexpensive, customizable...then I told Roger about it, and that was the end of all that. He would not be caught dead in "that ugly box". Their style, or lack thereof depending on your opinion, certainly gets comments. I personally loved it. I've since read some rather bad things about their safty ratings though. So if you're considering one, be sure to check out those closely.

or for something a little nostalgic, you could get one of these!